Elizabeth Daigneau is GOVERNING's managing editor.
E-mail: edaigneau@governing.comTwitter: @governing
Choose Your Own TSA Adventure!!
When it comes to airport security lines, what's your style? Do you struggle to pile all your bags onto the conveyor belt while trying to corral your kids through the line? Or have you mastered the Zen art of removing your shoes, coat and laptop in one graceful motion?
Travellers at Salt Lake City International Airport get to choose. In an experiment the TSA is running right now, the security lines are split into different "expert levels," like ski slopes on a mountain. In fact, the program uses ski symbology -- green for easy, blue for moderate, a black diamond for experienced -- to denote the different lines.
So if you need a little more time getting through the line, you can opt for the green line. If you're an expert traveller carrying only a BlackBerry, you might opt for the black diamond line.
The idea is to reduce stress for everybody -- the experienced travellers don't feel delayed, and families who need more time don't feel rushed and pressured.
The program is expanding to Denver International in the next few weeks. It'll be interesting to see how this pans out. My first thought is that, since the lines aren't mandated, won't people still just look for the shortest line? But maybe it'll be a hit.
Twitter: @governing
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
Twitter
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube
Flickr
RSS
© 2011 e.Republic, Inc. All Rights reserved. |